Frequently Asked Questions

This is an ever-evolving list of some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Shenandoah National Park. We will continue to update these questions as changes occur and expand the list as more questions arise.

Visiting

When is the Park open?

Shenandoah National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Although the Park is always open, Skyline Drive may be closed at times due to inclement weather conditions. Call [phone] (option 1, then option 1) to check the latest status.

Are permits required to hike or camp?

Permits are not required for day hiking. They are required for backcountry camping, however. Backcountry campers should be self-reliant and review camping regulations before self-registering for their backcountry permits, which can be done at a number of kiosks in the park. Kiosks are located at: entrance stations, Loft Mountain Wayside, North and South entry points of the Appalachian Trail, and the Old Rag Trailhead parking area.

Are there campgrounds in the Park?

There are several developed campgrounds in the Park.

Is lodging available?

There are several different lodging facilities available in Shenandoah National Park, all run by Delaware North, our concessioner.

Are there dining options available in Shenandoah?

There are several dining options in the park that are currently open to the public.

How long does it take to get through the Park?

The maximum speed limit throughout the park is 35 miles per hour. Speed limits are reduced in developed areas such as campgrounds and picnic grounds. With over 75 scenic overlooks along the way, most people need at least 3-4 hours to simply drive through the Park.

What are the park entrance fees?

Shenandoah National Park is one of about 150 park service units that charge an entry fee. 80% of the fees collected at Shenandoah are returned to the park for specific projects. Find out more information about our entrance fees.

How do I obtain a 7-day entrance pass?

The 7-day permit is the minimum entrance pass. We strongly encourage you to purchase a digital entrance pass online before arriving at Shenandoah. You may also purchase an entrance pass at one of the entrance stations when you arrive at Shenandoah. If the entrance station is closed, you may pay on your way out.

How do I obtain an annual Shenandoah pass?

The annual Shenandoah pass is good for unlimited entries for a year from the date of purchase. You may purchase the annual Shenandoah pass online or at one of the entrance stations. At the entrance stations, you may pay for all passes with cash, credit/debit card, money order, or personal check, although credit cards are the preferred method of payment at this time.

How do I obtain an annual or lifetime pass good at all federal lands?

You may purchase all America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Passes online, or at any staffed entrance station. You may pay for all passes with cash, credit/debit card, money order, or personal check. Learn more about all of the available passes..

What activities can I do in the Park?

Hiking, horseback riding fishing, photography, bird watching, and wildlife observation - just to name a few! The many overlooks along Skyline Drive reveal wide valley views to the west and the Piedmont area to the east. You'll pass banks of wildflowers and wildlife along the roadside. Our many trails can lead you up a mountain or down a canyon, past waterfalls and wildlife and ancient rocks. You may pass old walls and homesites, too; families lived here not long ago. Or you can just sit somewhere - at an overlook, on a trailside rock - and absorb the beauty and feeling of the silence settling around you.

Where can I hike?

Shenandoah offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Trails range from short, easy walks to long, rugged rock scrambles. Get ready to hike!

Can I catch a shuttle in Shenandoah?

There are no authorized shuttle providers in Shenandoah National Park. You will need to make your own arrangements for transportation to, from, and within the Park.

Where can I fish?

All park streams are open to catch-and-release fishing; additionally, some designated streams are open to harvest. Special regulations are in place and a Virginia state fishing license is required. Some hiking is required to reach fishing streams. For detailed regulations, click here (Gone fishin')!

Where can I go horseback riding?

Guided rides are currently unavailable. If you'd like to bring your own horse, Shenandoah offers over 180 miles of horse trails. Special regulations are in place for your safety and to help protect park resources. Get back in the saddle and go horseback riding!

Where can I ride my bike?

Cycling is permitted along Skyline Drive and on paved areas in the park. Cycling (road and mountain bikes) is not permitted on trails, unpaved roads, or in grassy areas. Be very careful if you decide to bike on Skyline Drive. Drivers of cars, RVs, and motorcycles are often paying more attention to the scenery than to the roadway. Dense fog is possible any day of the year at any time of the day. Cyclists must have headlights and taillights during foggy conditions. Be prepared for steep uphill climbs and unforgiving road shoulders lined by rock walls. Learn more about cycling Skyline Drive.

Where can I see a waterfall?

There are a number of waterfalls in the park. None are visible from Skyline Drive. The shortest hike to a waterfall is 1.4 miles round-trip to Dark Hollow Falls near milepost 51. It is a very popular hike that is steep and rocky in places. Hogcamp Branch, the source of the waterfall in Dark Hollow, parallels the trail the entire way. The waterfall itself is a series of frothing cascades, glistening in the sunlight, which filters beautifully through the trees. It is well worth the trek, as long as you can take the return uphill climb. Learn more about waterfalls.

Where can I kayak, raft, canoe, tube, or water ski?

The park has no navigable waters. Many people spend part of their trip outside of the park on the Shenandoah River to get their water fix. There are a number of private outfitters that rent equipment and operate guided trips along the river. The Shenandoah Valley Travel Association can help you locate outfitters and guides. Check out nearby attractions.

Where can I go swimming?

Swimming is allowed in all park streams, but most of them are shallow and rocky. Remember that these mountaintop streams can be extremely cold, even during the summer. Hiking is required for most streams that are deep enough for wading or swimming. There are no swimming pools or lakes in Shenandoah National Park.

Can a large motor home, RV, or tour bus drive on Skyline Drive?

Motor homes, RVs, camping trailers, and horse trailers are welcome, but be prepared to shift into low gear. If you plan on driving the entire 105 miles of the Skyline Drive, be sure you will clear Marys Rock Tunnel at mile 32.2 (just south of Thornton Gap entrance from Route 211) at 12'8". You can visit Shenandoah without traveling through the tunnel by visiting the northern or southern sections of the park.

Are there any gas stations in the park?

Gas is available at Big Meadows Wayside (mile 51), but it is always a good idea to enter the park with a full tank.

What is a wayside?

"Wayside" is a local term for a rest-stop with facilities. The waysides in the park are operated by DNC Parks & Resorts at Shenandoah, Inc., the park concessioner. When open, most offer groceries, a small restaurant or lunch counter, gifts, and camping supplies.

Is the park accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and persons with disabilities?

Most facilities and services in the park are accessible or accessible with assistance. Limberlost Trail, at milepost 43, is ADA accessible, with a crushed greenstone walkway on a gentle grade. This circuit hike of 1.3 miles is for people of all ages.

Most trails are not suitable for stroller use. The Limberlost Trail is the best trail choice with a stroller. "Jogging-style" strollers, with larger, rugged wheels, may be used on some fire roads throughout the park. A short bike path at Big Meadows (mile 51), is also navigable with a stroller. Learn more about accessibility.

Are there visitor centers in the Park?

There are two visitor centers in Shenandoah.

Where can I have a picnic?

There are several picnic areas in the park.

Do you have guided hikes in the park?

All ranger-led programs have been canceled until further notice. In the meantime, we have several different virtual programs available to learn about Shenandoah!

 

Rules and Regulations

Are pets allowed in the park?

Pets are allowed in the park, but must be kept on a six-foot leash, or otherwise confined, at all times. Pets are allowed on most trails in the park, with the exception of a few heavily used trails. Pets are allowed in the campgrounds, and Skyland Resort has a few "pet friendly" rooms. Pets are not allowed on ranger programs. Enjoy the park with pets.

Is overnight parking or car camping allowed along the Skyline Drive or in the picnic grounds?

No, camping is not allowed along the road, in overlooks or in picnic grounds.

 

Nature

What is the highest point in the park?

The highest point on the Skyline Drive is 3,680 feet at mile 41.7, the northern entrance to Skyland Resort. The highest point in the park, accessible by a moderate hike, is the summit of Hawksbill mountain at 4,050 feet. The top of Stony Man mountain, a fairly easy hike, is 4,010 feet.

How many bears are in the park and where can I see one?

Several hundred black bears live in Shenandoah National Park. When visiting the park you may spot a bear virtually anywhere (while hiking, camping, on a nature walk, or simply walking between your car and a lodge or restaurant). The opportunity to see a bear in the wild is the highlight of many park trips. Although black bears are generally shy, your ability to stay calm and know what to do is important for the safety of both yourself and the bear.

What do I do when I see a bear?

Almost every year, park staff members are involved in taking steps to separate people from wildlife (hazing animals or relocating them). Every once in a while, staff is forced to destroy an animal because risks have become too great. This usually involves animals that have received food from people and are habituated to being in very close proximity to us. You can help us avoid these situations. Learn about bear safety.

When do the azaleas and mountain laurels bloom?

These colorful shrubs line the Skyline Drive and provide a beautiful display of color in early summer. Although it can vary from year to year and at different elevations, the dark pink azaleas generally bloom in late May to early June. The lighter pinkish-white blooms of the mountain laurels are generally the most profuse during the month of June. A walk through the wheelchair accessible Limberlost Trail when the laurels are blooming can be an unforgettable experience.

When and where is the best time to see wildflowers?

There are over 800 species of wildflowers in the park. This diversity is particularly evident in spring at the lower elevations along streams such as South River, Hughes River, Rose River, and Mill Prong. Later in the season, the banks of Skyline Drive and the Big Meadows area are great places to see summer and fall wildflowers. Come by and smell the wildflowers.

When is the best time to see fall colors?

Shenandoah National Park is over 70 miles long, and due to the varying elevations of this mountainous park, it's impossible to pick an accurate "peak date" for the entire park. History has shown us, however, that generally around the 2nd to 3rd weeks of October the colors of fall seem to be at their most brilliant stage. This does vary however. Over the last several years, we've noticed that many park trees are still showing off their fall foliage well into November. The color change does not happen all at once. Trees at the higher elevations change first, and this change moves slowly down the mountain. Each year the park posts progress reports for the fall color. When the colors start changing, be sure to check out the Fall Color Report.

 

History and Culture

Where does the name Shenandoah come from?

No one knows for sure. The park was named after the Shenandoah River, which flows through the Shenandoah Valley, located just west of the park. Many theories and versions exist as to what the word "Shenandoah" means, including: "daughter of the stars," "silver water," "river through the spruces," "river of high mountains," "great meadow." and "big flat place." It could also be named for the fallen chief Sherando or for a tribe called the Senedoes, who lived in the valley until 1730.

When was the park created?

Although Shenandoah National Park was authorized by Congress on May 22, 1926, it wasn't established until December 26, 1935. The park was officially dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt on July 3, 1936. Explore Shenandoah's history and culture.

What is Rapidan Camp?

Rapidan Camp, formerly known as Camp Hoover, was the Summer White House of President Herbert Hoover and his wife, Lou Henry Hoover. It is situated where two streams join to form the Rapidan River, since Hoover liked to relax while fishing. He also conducted much business there. The President and his wife spent many weekends in the Camp in the Brown House, which has recently been reconstructed to conform to the appearance it had during their time (1929-1932). When leaving office, Hoover donated the property to the National Park Service for incorporation into the soon-to-be-established Shenandoah National Park. Today Rapidan Camp is a National Historic Landmark - and a site well worth visiting. You can hike down from Milam Gap. Guided tours of the camp are currently unavailable. Learn more about Rapidan Camp.

What happened to the people who lived here before the park was established?

In the 1930s, over 400 families lived within the boundaries of what is now Shenandoah National Park. Some families moved out on their own. Others moved into homes in the resettlement communities set up by Rural Resettlement Administration. These homes, in several areas near the park, could be bought with no down payment and a low-interest mortgage. Several older individuals were allowed to live out their lives in their home within the park. Connect with Shenandoah's mountain residents.

Who were the CCC boys?

The Civilian Conservation Corps was a part of President Franklin Roosevelt's New-Deal program. From 1933-1942, thousands of young men lived and worked in CCC camps in and adjacent to the park. The "boys" built rock walls, trails, fire roads, log structures, scenic overlooks, and more. They planted hundreds of thousands of trees and shrubs and are responsible for much of what visitors to Shenandoah see today. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the work of the CCC boys in Shenandoah National Park. Learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps.